Reviews

Key Player by Kelly Yang

bcat0124's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

daumari's review

5.0

Still feels weird to mark things set in the 1990s as historical fiction, but I love to see [a:Kelly Yang|15524279|Kelly Yang|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1536187850p2/15524279.jpg] continue to add her own experiences on to Mia because looking for the women's world cup teams in Pasadena is a GREAT story!

The other thing about historical fiction is just how evergreen some things are- xenophobic sentiment continues to be a thing, as is housing discrimination and filial duty vs dreams (andwanting to set your kid up for success). There's a subtle, blink-and-you'll-miss-it queer line that's age appropriate for middle grade (though I recall similar in [b:Three Keys|53033829|Three Keys (Front Desk, #2)|Kelly Yang|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1578326939l/53033829._SX50_SY75_.jpg|73366589])

Despite all (and maybe because of?) Mia Tang remains an optimistic heroine, and even when discouraged she bounces back with force. Looking forward to rereading these with my kid when she's older.

kkslattery's review

inspiring relaxing

1.75

mollyj099's review against another edition

funny hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

erinsbookshelves's review

emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

evamadera1's review against another edition

4.5

I absolutely loved this installment in the Front Desk series. Yang made me tear up multiple times in the last quarter of the book. Unlike the third instlalment which dipped a little due to the split in the plot/setting, this one had one driving conflict which built on the events of al three previous books. Yang also continues to develop Mia's character, maintaining the growth from previous books which gives the events in this book even more impact.

hewlettelaine's review against another edition

4.0

Really enjoyed this addition to the series and the slightly different change in emphasis this time. Yang evolves the story beyond the motel plot and it feels refreshed

kathleenes's review against another edition

adventurous challenging hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

I love this series! So much representation, so many great themes. Just an all round good series. This is no exception.

vdspreads's review

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

4.25

sarahmsmith1121's review

hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5